Officers Serving Overseas – Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell (New Zealand)
The Australia Territory has 31 Aussie officers serving overseas, one at International Headquarters in London (but based in Australia) and eight serving in different appointments here. Global Focus is featuring many of these officers – who they are, where they’re serving, the joys and challenges they face and what life looks like for them in their unique corners of The Salvation Army world.
Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell are well-known throughout the Australia Territory. Mark served as the first Chief Secretary of the newly formed Australia Territory, while Julie held dual roles of Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Gender Equity Advocate – from January 2017 to December 2019. They have been serving ‘across the ditch’ as Territorial Leaders of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory since January 2020 although, due to COVID-19 restrictions, they initially led the territory online from Australia. The Campbells recently shared some of their journey over the past five years with Salvos Online journalist SIMONE WORTHING.
As an overview, what do your roles as territorial leaders entail?
We are the spiritual leaders responsible for the mission, oversight and direction of the territory, so we are involved in many meetings and boards at THQ and online. The part that brings us most joy is visiting corps and centres in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, to meet our incredible officers, soldiers, adherents, staff and volunteers, and to see firsthand the joys and challenges of mission and ministry. Mark is the Territorial Commander and Chair of the Governance Board, and Julie is the Territorial President of Women’s Ministries with a vibrant ministry to women led by women throughout the territory.
What were some of your first impressions of the country/countries in which you live and serve?
Aotearoa, New Zealand, is a beautiful country – rugged coastland, snow-capped mountains and heaps of sheep. New Zealand is also a bi-cultural nation, so the Māori culture and language is an important part of the nation. We also have a large percentage of Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand who add to the diversity and richness of the country. Fiji, Tonga and Samoa are also stunning countries. We love the tropical weather and the people who are so joyful, despite the many challenges they face.
We often think of New Zealand and Australia as being similar culturally and possibly even spiritually. Has this been your experience? What are the main similarities and differences you find living in New Zealand? Has there been anything that has particularly surprised you?
The two countries are very similar and have a healthy rivalry. Our accents are very different, and we are often surprised by some of the words and phrases. The size and population of New Zealand is so much smaller than Australia, which has taken some time to adjust to. Culturally, New Zealand is very different with an acceptance of Te Reo Māori customs, culture and a commitment to partnership through a Treaty signed in 1840 by the King of England and the Māori Chiefs. Te Reo Māori is an official language and spoken to commence and welcome all who attend meetings. The Māori culture is a very significant part of this nation.
What is something special that God has done this year in your ministry?
Julie: The opportunities to visit Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, to meet with our officers, soldiers and staff and both see and hear the great work that God is doing. Through these passionate and committed people, God is teaching me to be humble, courageous and trust him wholeheartedly. They have very little, but everything in Christ.
Mark: Seeing the amazing things God is doing in the islands of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa with great leadership.
What joys and challenges do you experience working and serving in different countries and cultures? The challenges: We miss our family and friends. We are a territory of four nations, so we work hard to ensure the voices, opportunities, and mission are well represented when THQ is in New Zealand. We also work hard to understand the history and culture of the four nations. This is vital. Changes have been implemented to the structure of the divisions and THQ support teams in New Zealand, so we are praying and working towards unity and a greater mission impact. The increased impact of drugs in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa is concerning, and our officers and staff are working with governments and other organisations to be part of the solution.
The joys: The people are friendly, innovative and passionate about sharing the love of Jesus. We love hearing the stories of how God is transforming the lives of people through our various corps and mission expressions. It’s exciting to see the ministry opportunities in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa continually growing – we have congregations starting up in many different places. Recovery corps/churches are some of our fastest growing congregations in New Zealand. We are also focused on community work in New Zealand and our mission expressions that include corps, social and emergency housing, addiction services, Community Ministries (practical assistance) and Family Stores.
We enjoy travelling and seeing the stunning scenery of the four nations. And of course, the sporting rivalry is fun!
What does a typical day look like for you – or is there such a thing as a typical day?
A typical day involves preparing and attending various boards and meetings to stay informed of the joys and challenges in the territory. And we travel regularly to connect and encourage our people and monitor the progress of our mission.
Has overseas service changed your outlook on life, God, the Army – or other ways?
Definitely! We have a greater understanding, awareness and appreciation of the importance of working together in unity and diversity of culture. Our faith, love and trust in the Lord has been strengthened through prayer and the promises of his Word. We are even more committed to proclaiming the love and good news of Jesus through our mission in The Salvation Army.
How can we pray for you?
We would be grateful for your prayers for wisdom and vision for us as the leaders, to encourage our people to keep focused on our relationship with God, our mission and message. As we embrace the structual changes that have taken place, in the power of the Spirit, we want to be a stronger Army living out the good news of Jesus to see more lives saved and transformed.
Mā te Atua koe e manaaki
May God bless you
